I started out doing drop-in workout classes at a belly dance studio (Nazeem Allayl) and then started drop-in beginner pole workout classes at Dance411. While they were fun, I didn't particularly enjoy the classes at Dance411 because it was more focused on dancing and less on pole work, and classes were pretty big, meaning that we had to share poles. I'm a complete pole-aholic, so when I'm paying $20/hr for pole classes... I want that damn pole all to myself for the entire hour!
More recently, I've started taking more advanced drop-in classes at a pole studio called Vertical Joe's, one of the more hardcore studios in Atlanta where they train pole dancers for competitions like Miss Pole Dance USA and Miss Pole Dance World. I've also taken an introductory class at another Atlanta studio called R U A Pole'forma, which, despite the cheesy name, is really an amazing studio. Although R U A Pole'forma is pricier than the other studios (she charges $25/course instead of $20 everywhere else), it's a really well-run place, with small classes and lots of individual attention. Extra bonus: free wine before/during class to "loosen you up." AWWW YEAH. I had a really great time - I was doing things I didn't KNOW I could do and definitely didn't think I was strong enough to do, like climbing a pole and then gripping it between my thighs and leaning backwards so that my body made a + sign with the pole. Serious core workout right there.
I took my first introductory class at R U A Pole'forma on Monday night, and felt that I got a pretty good workout, but I didn't feel particularly sore when I woke up on Tuesday. So I figured that I'd try out Vertical Joe's Tricks and Transitions class, which is targeted towards aggressive beginners/intermediate level students. Also a small class there, though the studio wasn't quite as nicely appointed. Again, I found myself doing ridiculous things I never thought I could do, like hanging upside down with only my legs gripping for dear life, arms out to form a 'T'... and getting into this position from a handstand. I'm also pretty sure I pulled a butt muscle doing one of the more advanced spins. Nevertheless, I felt pretty darn impressed with myself! But all this came at a price. Check out these bruises:
PRETTY GNARLY, RIGHT? I'm pretty proud of them, hence, "badges of honor". (Not shown: the giant "badge of honor" on my cooch.) Sure, I'm sore as hell and my shins hurt when I run, but my butt has NEVER looked better in my entire life. The back of my thighs feel tight and sore... but I'll be damned if my cellulite hasn't diminished. And my stomach is FLAT! I know that this didn't happen overnight, but I'm certainly noticing it today.
All in all, I'm feeling pretty darn good about my body right now. I totally encourage every one who has ever considered pole dancing or belly dancing to give it a shot. No amount of looking at skinny models in magazines has ever inspired me to want to get fit like belly/pole dancing. And again, it's not even about how to exercise to lose weight so that I can look a certain way -- it's more, how much work I have to put in to do the things I want to do, and do them well. I'm not really on a solidified schedule yet, other than taking a basic belly dance technique class every Thursday at 7:30 and running/walking with Goose for 3 miles every day, but I generally try to make it to at least 2 pole dance classes a week.
Anyway, I just wanted to rave about my experiences with these studios. Next post will be more interesting, I promise - I'll have actual PICTURES of me doing pole tricks, stripper heels and all.
oooh let us see those stripper heels pics! ^_____^
ReplyDeleteBTW, nice bruises....err..badges XD
@Mary, I thought you were taking pole classes too? :)
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the pictures showing the action! I wish I had the motivation to do something active like you. =)
ReplyDeleteI love it! I've always been interested in doing this, but it's crazy expensive in NYC!! I can't wait to see pics of you on the pole =)
ReplyDelete@my favorite pink - if you were dying of loneliness, maybe you'd find something to do with your free time too :P But seriously, I never wanted to be active until I found something I really enjoyed (pole dancing) so maybe poke around and try a few introductory classes here and there? :)
ReplyDelete@Meibelle - how much is it in NYC? I admit, it is rather expensive, but Atlanta is a strip club capital and has a lot of retired strippers who go on to open their own studios, and I think the competition is what keeps the prices low. One would think it's the same in New York, which is known for their premium clubs...